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Scorching weather in North India drives rise in heat-related illnesses
Govt, hospitals preparing to make necessary arrangements to tackle increased heatwave load
Sanket Koul Delhi
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As a heatwave grips the northern parts of India, outpatient departments (OPDs) of several hospitals are witnessing up to a 40 per cent surge in patient visits due to heat strokes, exhaustion, and other heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, dizziness, and exacerbation of chronic conditions.
With temperatures crossing 40 degrees Celsius across prominent cities, groups such as the elderly, people with comorbidities such as diabetes or cardiovascular ailments, and outdoor workers such as construction labourers and security guards have been majorly affected.
Commenting on the same, Charu Goel Sachdeva, director and unit head (internal medicine) at Max Super Speciality Hospital,
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If neglected, heat stroke can be life-threatening," Aggarwal from Sri Balaji Action Hospital said, adding that 'many elderly patients are arriving in critical condition". 'Due to the risk of cardiac arrest, particularly in elders and those with pre-existing diseases, treatment includes managing blood pressure first with Norad support before fluid resuscitation." Also, many patients arrive in shock state, requiring careful IV administration. Sharma from Amrita Hospital explained that heat-related illness often begins silently. 'Patients may brush off early signs such as fatigue, a dull headache, excessive sweating, or cramps. This is the first stage—heat exhaustion. But, if left untreated, it progresses rapidly into heatstroke, which is a life-threatening condition where the body loses its ability to regulate temperature." Experts said the classic symptoms of heat stroke include body temperature over 40 degrees Celsius, rapid heartbeat, confusion, slurred speech, seizures or unconsciousness, with hot and dry skin with no sweating in advanced cases. 'At this stage, the body is essentially overheating from within, and if not treated within 30 minutes, it can lead to multi-organ failure, brain damage, or death." How is heat stroke treated & prevented? On emergency treatment, Sharma detailed that, 'We cool patients rapidly through ice packs to the neck, armpits, and groin, mist-and-fan cooling, or, where possible, cold water immersion. Intravenous fluids are administered to restore hydration and electrolyte balance." Continuous monitoring of vitals, kidney function, and liver enzymes is essential. In many cases, patients require intensive care for neurological or kidney support. Dr Swapnil M Khadake, head of department, critical care at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital in Vashi, Maharashtra, advised that people should avoid stepping out during peak hours (11 am to 4 pm), along with drinking water and oral rehydration fluids every one to two hours. 'People should opt for loose, breathable cotton clothes and stay in shaded or air-cooled spaces. They should also look out for early signs of heat stress in children and the elderly." Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Delhi weather heat stroke heatwave Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 13, 2025, 17:09 IST News india Heatwave Pushes Hospitals Into Overdrive As OPD Cases Surge Across Delhi-NCR
